Switch and fuse combination having a drive rod for operating switches which is parallel to the switches in one position and to the fuses in another position



Oct. 19, 1965 M. STENE 3,213,247

SWITCH AND FUSE COMBINATION HAVING A DRIVE ROD FOR OPERATING SWITCHESWHICH IS PARALLEL TO THE SWITCHES IN ONE POSITION AND TO THE FUSES INANOTHER POSITION Filed Feb. 24, 1964 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR. MANFREDSTENE BY f M M. STENE Oct. 19, 1965 SWITCH AND FUSE COMBINATION HAVING ADRIVE ROD FOR OPERATING SWITCHES WHICH IS PARALLEL TO THE SWITCHES INONE POSITION AND TO THE FUSES IN ANOTHER POSITION Filed Feb. 24, 1964 3Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR. MAN/ RED STE/VE- BY m awe X YQ H 5.

Oct. 19, 1965 M. STENE 3,213,247

SWITCH AND FUSE COMBINATION HAVING A DRIVE ROD FOR OPERATING SWITCHESWHICH IS PARALLEL TO THE SWITCHES IN ONE POSITION AND TO THE FUSES INANOTHER POSITION Filed Feb. 24, 1964 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 &

\ l (\l I INVENTOR.

MA/VFRED STE/V5 United States Patent SWITCH AND FUSE COMBINATION HAVINGA DRIVE ROD FOR OPERATING SWITCHES WHICH IS PARALLEL TO THE SWITCHES INONE POSITION AND TO THE FUSES IN AN- OTHER POSRTION Manfred Stone,Chicago, Ill., assignor to Erickson Electrical Equipment (30., Chicago,Ill., a corporation of Iliinois Filed Feb. 24, 1964, Ser. No, 346,925Claims. (Cl. 200114) This invention relates to a new and improved loadbreak pressure contact switch and more particularly to an improvedoperating mechanism for such a switch.

One form of switching device finding increasing acceptance with respectto service entrance equipment and other relatively high currentapplications is the fused pressure contact switch. The operatingmechanisms for switches of this kind must be of rugged construction;they utilize positive pressure-applying mechanisms for assuring goodcontact between the switch terminals. Because space is frequently at apremium, the switches should be made as compact as possible consonantwith the current and voltages being controlled. At the same time, costis an important factor with respect to this type of equipment, since itmust be competitive with circuit breakers.

In previously known fused pressure contact switches, two problems arevirtually always present. The overall switch size is difficult to reduceto a desirable point without creating interferences between adjacentlymounted switch mechanisms. When the switch size is reduced, theconventional operating mechanisms for the switch frequently interferewith removal and replacement of fuses.

Indeed, with many otherwise highly satisfactory switch mechanisms, fusereplacement presents a substantial problem and frequently leads toinjury to the workmen attempting fuse replacement.

The principal object of the present invention, therefore, is to providea new and improved multiple pole fused switch mechanism of the pressurecontact type that effectively and inherently overcomes or minimizes theaforementioned problems present in prior art devices.

A related object of the invention is to afford a multiple pole fuseswitch in which the operating mechanism for opening and closing theswitch is so aligned with the remainder of the switch as to permitconvenient access to the fuses for replacement purposes.

Another object of the invention is to provide a new and improvedmulti-pole fused switch of the pressure contact type in which theoperating mechanism for the switch is located entirely within theoutline of the switching apparatus, thereby keeping the total spacerequirement of the switch to a minimum.

A corollary object of the invention is to afford a new and improved loadbreak pressure contact switch of the fused type, suitable for use as aheavyduty service entrance switch, that is simple and effective inoperation and economical in construction.

A multiple pole fused switch mechanism constructed in accordance withthe present invention comprises a base member with a plurality of spacedpairs of fixed contacts mounted on the base; each contact pair includesa first contact and a second contact with the contacts of all pairsdisposed in fixed parallel alignment. A corresponding plurality ofmovable contacts are incorporated in the switch mechanism, each movablecontact being displaceable between an open position in which it isspaced from one of the fixed contacts and a closed position in which themovable contact bridges a respective one of the fixed contact pairs. Theoperating mechanism of the switch, which is also mounted on the basemember, includes a main drive rod that is movable axially and angularlybetween a first position parallel to the fixed contact pairs and asecond position angularly displaced with respect to the fixed contactmember pairs. The operating mechanism simultaneously moves all of themovable contacts to their closed positions when the drive rod is movedto its first position; movement of the drive rod to its second positiondisplaces all of the movable contacts to their open positions. The driverod is aligned with the space between the fixed contact members of twoadjacent pairs. The switch mechanism further includes a correspondingplurality of fuse receptacles, each connected to one fixed contactmember in each pair. These fuse receptacles are mounted on the basemember in parallel alignment with the second position of the drive rodto allow free access to the receptacles for removal and replacement offuses when the switch is open. In the preferred construction describedhereinafter, the operation of the drive rod is controlled by a drivemechanism mounted upon an auxiliary base member located between the fusereceptacles and thus disposed within the outline of the remainder of theswitch mechanism.

Other and further objects of the present invention will be apparent fromthe following description and claims and are illustrated in theaccompanying drawings which, by way of illustration, show preferredembodiments of the present invention and the principles thereof and whatis now considered to be the best mode contemplated for applying theseprinciples. Other embodiments of the invention embodying the same orequivalent principles may be made as desired by those skilled in the artwithout departing from the present invention.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of a multi-pole fused switch mechanismconstructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, showing the switch in closed condition;

FIG. 2 is a sectional elevation view of the switch taken approximatelyalong line 22 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a detail front elevation view of a part of the switchmechanism of FIG. 1 showing the switch in open condition;

FIG. 4 is a detail sectional view, similar to FIG. 2, showing the switchin open condition;

FIG. 5 is a detail view, illustrating a latching detent of the switch inone operating condition, and is taken approximately along line 55' inFIG. 2; and

FIG. 6 is a detail view similar to FIG. 5 showing the detent in a secondoperating condition.

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, in which the preferred form of thepresent invention is illustrated, the switch 10 shown therein isillustrated in its closed condition. Switch 10 comprises a three poleload break pressure contact switch, with overload fuses, suitable foruse in heavy duty service entrance and similar applications.

Switch 10 includes a base member 11 fabricated from a suitableinsulating material. Across the top of base 11 there are mounted threespaced fixed contact members 21, 23 and 25. Each of these fixed contactmembers is provided with an upwardly projecting bifurcated contactblade. The fixed contact members 21, 23 and 25 are provided withindividual terminal lugs that constitute the output terminals for switchdd.

Each of the fixed contacts 21, 23 and 25 is one element of a contactpair. Thus, fixed contact 21 is paired with a second fixed contact 22,switch contact 23 is aligned with a fixed contact 24, and contact 25 isaligned with a fixed contact 26. The individual contact pairs aredisposed in parallel alignment with each other. In the constructionshown in FIG. 1, the contact pairs are vertically aligned on the base11. Each of fixed contact members 22, 24

and 26 includes an upwardly projecting bracket-like contact element thatis vertically aligned with the upwardly projecting bifurcated blade ofthe corresponding fixed contact that completes the pair.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the upwardly projecting blade element 27 ofthe second contact member 24 in contact pair 23, 24 constitutes a hingebracket for a movable contact member comprising two contact blades 28and 29. Contact blades 28 and 29 are pivotally mounted upon the bracketelement 27 of contact member 24 by means of a bolt 31 that extendsthrough both of the blades 28 and 29 and through the bracket contact 27,the bracket being located between the two blades. Firm pressure contactis maintained between the blades 28 and 29 and the contact bracket 27 bythe compression force between a clamp nut 32 and the head 33 of bolt 31.

A hinge lever 34 is afiixed to the head 33 of hinge bolt 31. Thus, hingelever 34 may be provided with a hexagonal opening or other openingconforming to the configuration of the bolt head 33. Preferably, thehinge lever is welded or otherwise permanently secured to the bolt head.The free end of hinge lever 3% is secured to a bar 35 that extendstransversely of the switch mechanism (see FIG. 1) by suitable means suchas a pair of bolts 36. Bolts 36 extend through bar 34 and through an earor lug 37 on the hinge lever.

A toggle link is pivotally connected to hinge lever 37 by means of apivot pin 38. The toggle link comprises two parallel link elements 41and 42. The end of the toggle link 41, 42 opposite pivot pin 33 ispivotally connected, by a second pin 43, to a contact lever 44. Contactlever 44, in turn, is affixed to the head 45 of a second clamping bolt46 that extends through contact blades 28 and 29 as shown in FIG. 1, andinto threaded engagement in a clamping nut 51? affixed to blade 29. Whenthe switch is in closed position, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the centralportion of bolt 46 extends through the gap between the two projectingportions 47 and 4-8 of the bifurcated contact element of contact member25. The toggle mechanism for operating the movable contact comprisingblades 23, 29 also includes a tension spring 51 connected from thetoggle link 4-1, 42 to blade 28. There is also a blade stop member 52mounted upon this portion of contact member 25 and projecting upwardlyinto alignent with the toggle link (see FIG. 1).

The movable contact mechanisms for contact pairs 21, 22 and 25, 26 areessentially similar to that for contact pair 23, 24. Thus, contact pair21, 22 is bridged by a movable contact comprising two contact blades 53and 54. connected by two movable contact blades 55 and 56 when theswitch is in closed condition (FIG. 1). For each pole of the switch, thehinge lever that actuates the movable contact is bolted or otherwisesecured to the transverse bar 35. It will be understood that two-pole,four-pole, or other multi-pole arrangements can be constructed withoutbasic change in the switch. A three-pole switch is shown becausethree-phase distribution is most commonly used.

'A bracket 61 is affixed to the transverse bar 35; a link 62 ispivotally mounted on the upper end of bracket 61 by means of a suitablepin 63. A main drive rod 64 is pivotally connected to the link 62 bymeans of a yoke 65 and a pivot pin 66, yoke 65 being threaded onto thedrive rod. The other end of drive rod 64 is threaded into a secondsimilar yoke 67 that is pivotally connected to a short link 63 by meansof a suitable shaft or pin 69. Link 63, in turn, is pivotally connectedby a pivot pin 71 to an operating lever '72.

The mechanism 77 for actuating operating lever 72 is mounted on thelower central portion of the base 11 for switch 10. The mounting for theswitch operating mechanism 77 comprises a tripod auxiliary base member73 having its three legs 7- '75 and 76 securely mounted upon the base 11of the switch. The tripod legs are all disposed between poles of theswitch, as discussed more Contact members 25 and 26 are electricallyinterfully hereinafter. The outer portion of auxiliary base member '73comprises three outwardly projecting bosses 81, 82 and 83, each of whichencompasses an outwardly projecting bolt, the three bolts being used tomount a bearing support member 84 on the auxiliary base.

Bearing support member 84 includes two main bearings 85 and 36 thatsupport a main operating shaft 87. The right-hand end of shaft 87, asseen in FIG. 2, projects through bearing 86. Operating lever 72 isaffixed to this cantilever end of shaft 87. The other end of Shaft 87projects outwardly of bearing 85 and through a face plate 38 and cover9%, the face plate 88 being mounted on the outer face of bearing supportmember 84. On the outer end of shaft 87, a manual operating lever 89 ismounted on the shaft by suitable means such as a collar 91 secured tothe shaft by means of a pair of set screws 92.

There is a second shaft 93 that is journalled in suitable bearings inbearing support member 84; shaft 93 is located below and in parallelalignment with shaft 87. Shaft 93 carries a latch collar 34. Latchcollar 34 is normally engaged by a detent stop that is amxed to the mainshaft 87. Shaft 33 is axially movable, however, so that the latch collar94 can be displaced to the right, as seen in FIG. 2, from its normalposition of engagement with detent stop 95 to a position in which it isclear of the detent stop. A spring 98 biases the latch collar 94 and theshaft 93 outwardly of the switch mechanism and thus normally maintainsthe latch collar in alignment with the detent stop.

The free end of shaft 93, projecting outwardly of face plate 88, isprovided with a hasp member 99. Hasp member 99 projects downwardly ofthe shaft between two guide members 101 and 162 that are affixed to faceplate 83. The hasp member and the two guide members are provided withsuitable openings that provide means for locking the switch, using anordinary padlock, in either open or Closed position, as described morefully hereinafter.

The three lower fixed contact members 22, 24 and 26 are each providedwith a fuse receptacle for electrically connecting a fuse to the contactmember. Thus, three resilient fuse receptacle members 112, 114 and 116are mounted upon and constitute a part of fixed contact members 22, 24and 26 respectivley. The present invention is not limited to the use ofresilient fuse mounts; conventional bolt mounting arrangements and otherfuse receptacles constructions may be employed as desired.

The switch further includes additional fuse receptacle members 111, 113and that are mounted below receptacles 112, 114 and 116, respectively,and in alignment with the upper fuse receptacles to afford an effectivemeans for mounting three fuses 121, 122 and 123 in the switch (see (FIG.1). Fuse receptacle members 111, 113 and 115 are provided with suitableconnecting lugs and constitute the input terminals for the switch. Itshould be noted that the individual fuse receptacle pairs are notaligned in parallel with the related pairs of switch contacts, as inconventional switch structures. Instead, the fuse receptacles aremounted on base 11 in positions in which they are parallel to each otherbut angularly displaced from the vertical alignment of the switchcontacts in order to afford improved access to the fuse receptacles forremoval and replacement of fuses as explained more fully hereinafter.

The detent mechanism for the switch, shown particularly in FIGS. 2, 4, 5and 6, comprises detent stop 95 and latch collar 94. As best shown inFIGS. 5 and 6, the detent stop is provided with three projecting lugs ordogs 131, 132 and 133. FIG. 5 shows the position of the detent mechanismwhen the switch is closed, with lug 131 engaging a first element 84A ofbearing member 84 and with dog 133 engaging latch collar 94. In theposition shown in FIG. 5, detent stop 95 cannot be rotated in either aclockwise direction or a counterclockwise direction, due to engagementof the detent stop with the bearing support member 84A and latch collar94. FIG. 6 shows the detent mechanism in the operating condi= tionassumed thereby when the switch is open. In this instance, lug 132engages element 843 of the bearing support member and lug 133 is againin engagement with the latch collar.

To open switch 10, it is first necessary to release the detentmechanism. This is accomplished by pushing shaft 93 inwardly from theposition illustrated in FIG. 2 to that shown in FIG. 4. Shaft 93, as itmoves inwardly against the biasing force exerted by spring 98, shiftslatch collar 94 out of engagement with detent stop 95 and thus releasesthe detent stop. The detent stop, which has previously been in theswitch-closed position shown in FIG. 5, cannot rotate in acounterclockwise direction but is now free for clockwise rotation. Theswitch operator is now able to start opening movement of the switch byturning the manual operating lever 89 in a clockwise direction from theclosed position shown in FIG. 1 toward the open position shown in FIG.3.

The clockwise movement of operating lever 89 causes a correspondingmovement of operating lever 72, since both of these elements are fixedlymounted on the main operating shaft 87. As operating lever 72 starts itsclockwise movement, it begins to pull drive rod 64 downwardly from theposition shown in FIG. 1. The initial movement of the drive rod isvirtually straight down, giving maximum leverage at the initial part ofthe opening movement. As drive rod 64 moves downwardly, link 62 pulls onbracket 61 (see FIG. 2) and starts to pivot transverse bar 35 about thepivotal mounting afforded by the hinge levers of the individual movablecontacts, such as hinge lever 34. The hinge lever, through toggle link41, pulls on contact lever 44 and turns the contact lever in acounterclockwise direction. A corresponding rotational movement isimparted to bolt 46, to which lever 44 is aflixed, releasing the boltand thereby relieving the pressure between movable contact blades 28 and29 and the fixed contact blades 47 and 48. The rotation of hinge lever34 also tightens bolt 31, affording a pressure contact between blades28, 29 and fixed contact bracket 27.

Continued rotational movement of operating lever 72 pulls drive rod 64downwardly and pivots the drive rod to the position illustrated in FIG.3. It should be noted that the full movement of operating handle 89necessary to open the switch is preferably limited to about ninetydegrees for convenience in switch operation and to keep the arcuatesweep of operating handle 89 to a minimum, thereby reducing the totalspace requirement for the switch. The switch is fully opened when theoperating mechanism reaches the position shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

During the opening movement, once there has been some rotation of themain operating shaft 87, it is no longer necessary for the operator tomaintain pressure on detent shaft 93, since detent stop 95 is nowinterposed in face-to-faCe relationship with latch collar 94 andprevents the latch collar from moving back outwardly to a position whereit could block further rotation of the detent stop. When the switchreaches its full open condition, the detent stop is in the positionshown in FIG. 6 and latch collar 94 is again clear to move outwardly,under the bias afforded by spring 98, to latch the operating mechanismin open condition. The outward movement of the detent shaft 93 makes itpossible to lock the switch in open condition as well as in closedcondition.

As will be apparent from FIG. 3, the alignment of the fuse receptaclesin the switch is such that the individual fuses 121, 122 and 123 areparallel to the second or switch-open position for drive rod 64 (seeFIG. 3). Consequently, convenient access is provide-cl to the fuses andthey can be readily removed and replaced with little or no interferencefrom the operating mechanism. Of course, this condition is achieved onlyif the drive rod is disposed between individual poles of the switch;otherwise, the drive rod would extend over one of the fuses and wouldinterfere with fuse replacement.

When it is desired to close the switch, detent shaft 93 is again pushedinwardly of the switch mechanism, releasing latch collar 94 from itsengaged position (FIG. 6) and permitting rotation of main operatingshaft 87. Operating lever 89 is now turned in a counterclockwisedirection from the position in FIG. 3 back toward the position ofFIG. 1. The necessary movement of the operating handle drives rod 64upwardly, pivoting bracket 61 and transverse bar 35 about the axisestablished by the hinge bolts such as hinge bolt 31. As can be seen inFIG. 4, the starting alignment of the toggle mechanism for each movablecontact is such that the toggle linkage is in latched condition.Consequently, each pair of movable contact blades pivots about its hingebolt and moves toward engagement with the upper fixed contact with whichit is associated.

The toggle linkage for each contact remains in latched alignment,illustrated in FIG. 4, while the movable contact blades are driven fromthe position shown in FIG. 4 toward that illustrated in FIG. 2. As themovable contact blades are seated, the toggle' link 41, 42 is engaged byblade stop 52. Consequently, the toggle is unlatched and the continuedpivotal movement of hinge lever 34 is translated through link 41, 42into clockwise rotation of contact lever 44. The clockwise rotation ofthe contact lever tightens bolt 46 in clamp nut 50 (FIG. 1) andestablishes a firm pressure contact between the two movable contactblades 28 and 29 of the fixed bifurcated contact blade 47, 48.

As can be seen from FIG. 1, the entire switch mechanism is locatedwithin the outline of the minimum base 11 required for the switchterminals, fuses, and contacts. An important feature, with respect tominimization of the overall size of switch 10, is the mounting employedfor the mechanism 77 that actuates the switch. Unlike previously knowndevices, this entire mechanism is located within the outline of theswitch base and between individual poles of the switch. To achieve asuitable construction in minimum space, it is important that all legs ofthe tripod auxiliary base 73 be disposed intermediate the switch polesrather than externally thereof. The auxiliary base member 73 ispreferably formed from a molded plastic material of high strength; onesuitable material is glass-filled polyester resin. In addition to savingspace, the construction described above is quite economical as comparedwith previously known arrangements. At the same time, the switch is welladapted to heavy duty applications and can be employed for relativelyhigh currents and voltages without substantial service difiiculty.

Hence, while preferred embodiments of the invention have been describedand illustrated, it is to be understood that they are capable ofvariation and modification.

I claim:

1. A multiple-pole fused switch mechanism comprismg:

a base member;

a plurality of spaced pairs of fixed contact members,

mounted on said base member, each pair including a. first contact memberand a second contact member disposed in fixed parallel alignment;

a corresponding plurality of movable contact members, each movablebetween an open position and a closed position bridging the first andsecond contact members of a respective one of said fixed contact pairs;

an operating mechanism, mounted on said base member, including a maindrive rod movable axially and angularly between a first positionparallel to said fixed contact member pairs and a second positionangularly disposed with respect to said fixed contact member pairs, forsimultaneously moving all of said movable contact members to theirclosed positions when said main drive rod is moved to its first positionand for moving all of said movable contact members to their openpositions when said main drive rod is moved to its second position, saidmain drive rod being aligned with the space between the fixed contactmembers of two adjacent pairs;

and a corresponding plurality of sets of fuse receptacles,

each connected to a respective second contact member of one of saidfixed contact pairs, mounted on said base member in parallel alignmentwith the sec ond position of said main drive rod to allow free accessthereto for removal and replacement of fuses when the switch is open.

2. A multiple-pole fused switch mechanism comprising:

a base member;

a plurality of spaced parallel aligned pairs of fixed contacts, mountedon said base member;

a corresponding plurality of movable contacts, each pivotally mounted ona first fixed contact of a respective one of said pairs and movablebetween an open position displaced from the second contact of the pairand a closed position bridging the associated contact pair;

a corresponding plurality of toggle linkages for actuating said movablecontacts between open and closed positions, each linkage including boltmeans applying substantial pressure at the contact points of saidmovable and fixed contacts when said movable contacts are in closedposition;

an operating mechanism, mounted on said base member, including a maindrive rod connected to all of said linkages and movable axially andangularly between a first position parallel to said fixed contact pairsand a second position angularly disposed with respect to said fixedcontact pairs, for simultaneously actuating said linkages to move all ofsaid movable contacts to their closed positions when said main drive rodis moved to its first position and for moving all of said movablecontacts to their open positions when said main drive rod is moved toits second position, said main drive rod being aligned with the spacebetween the two adjacent contact pairs;

and a corresponding plurality of sets of fuse recep tacles, eachconnected to a fixed contact of a respective one of said pairs, mountedon said base member in parallel alignment with said second position ofsaid main drive rod to allow free access thereto for removal andreplacement of fuses when the switch is open.

3. A multiple-pole fused switch mechanism comprisa main base member;

a plurality of spaced parallel aligned pairs of fixed contacts, mountedon said main base member;

a corresponding plurality of movable contacts each movable between anopen position and a closed position bridging the first and secondcontacts of a respective one of said fixed contact pairs;

an auxiliary base member, mounted on said base member;

an operating mechanism, mounted on said auxiliary base member, includinga main drive rod movable axially and angularly between a first positionparallel to said fixed contact pairs and a second position angularlydisposed with respect to said fixed contact pairs, for simultaneouslymoving all of said movable contacts to their closed positions when saidmain drive rod is moved to its first position and for moving all of saidmovable contacts to their open positions when said main drive rod ismoved to its second position, said main drive rod being aligned with thespace between two adjacent contact pairs;

and a corresponding plurality of sets of fuse receptacles, eachconnected to one contact of a respective one of said fixed contactpairs, mounted on said main base member in parallel alignment with thesecond position of said main drive rod to allow free access thereto forremoval and replacement of fuses when the switch is open;

said auxiliary base member being mounted on said main base member on aplurality of legs projecting between said fuse receptacles and beinglocated entirely within the confines of said fuse receptacles on saidmain base member.

4. A multiple-pole fused switch mechanism comprising:

a rectangular main base member of given dimensions;

a plurality of output terminals mounted across the top edge of said mainbase member in equally spaced alignment;

a corresponding plurality of input terminals mounted in equally spacedalignment across the bottom edge of said main base member;

a corresponding plurality of spaced parallel vertically aligned pairs offixed contacts, mounted on said main base member, each pair including afirst contact member connected to one of said output terminals;

a corresponding plurality of movable contacts, each pivotally mounted ona respective second contact of one of said contact pairs and eachmovable between an open position and a closed position bridging thefirst and second contacts of the associated fixed contact pair;

an auxiliary base member mounted on spaced legs affixed to said mainbase member at points intermediate said input terminals;

an operating mechanism, mounted on said auxiliary base member, includinga main drive rod connected to all of said movable contacts and movableaxially and angularly between a first position parallel to said fixedcontact pairs and a second position angularly disposed with respect tosaid fixed contact pairs, for simultaneously moving all of said movablecontacts to their closed positions when said main drive rod is moved toits first position and for moving all of said movable contacts to theiropen positions when said main drive rod is moved to its second position,said main drive rod being aligned with the space between the fixedcontacts of two adjacent pairs;

and a corresponding plurality of sets of fuse receptacles, eachconnected to a respective input terminal and a respective second contactof one of said fixed contact pairs, mounted on said base member inparallel alignment with the second position of said main drive rod toallow free access thereto for removal and replacement of fuses when theswitch is open.

5. A multiple-pole fused switch mechanism comprising:

a base member;

a plurality of spaced pairs of fixed contact members, mounted on saidbase member, each pair including a first contact member and a secondcontact member disposed in fixed parallel alignment;

a corresponding plurality of movable contact members, each movablebetween an open position and a closed position bridging the first andsecond contact members of a respective one of said fixed contact pairs;

an operating mechanism, mounted on said base member, including a maindrive rod movable axially and angularly between a first positionparallel to said fixed contact member pairs and a second positionangularly disposed with respect to said fixed contact member pairs, forsimultaneously moving all of said movable contact members to theirclosed positions when said main drive rod is moved to its first positionand for moving all of said movable contact members to their openpositions when said main drive rod is moved to its second position, saidmain drive rod being aligned with the space between the fiXed contactmembers of two adjacent pairs; corresponding plurality of sets of fusereceptacles, each connected to a respective second contact member of oneof said fixed contact pairs, mounted on said base member in parallelalignment with the second position of said main drive rod to allow freeaccess thereto for removal and replacement of fuses when the switch isopen;

and a releasable detent mechanism for latching said operating mechanismwith said main drive rod in either of said first and second positions.

No references cited.

BERNARD A. GILHEANY, Primary Examiner.

1. A MULTIPLE-POLE FUSED SWITCH MECHANSIM COMPRISING: A BASE MEMBER; APLURALITY OF SPACED PAIRS OF FIXED CONTACT MEMBERS, MOUNTED ON SAID BASEMEMBER, EACH PAIR INCLUDING A FIRST CONTACT MEMBER AND A SECOND CONTACTMEMBER DISPOSED IN FIXED PARALLEL ALIGNMENT; A CORRESPONDING PLURALITYOF MOVABLE CONTACT MEMBERS, EACH MOVABLE BETWEEN AN OPEN POSITION AND ACLOSED POSITION BRIDGING THE FIRST AND SECOND CONTACT MEMBERS OF ARESPECTIVE ONE OF SID FIXED CONTACT PAIRS; AN OPERATING MECHANISM,MOUNTED ON SAID BASE MEMBER, INCLUDING A MAIN DRIVE ROD MOVABLE AXIALLYAND ANGULARLY BETWEEN A FIRST POSITION PARALLEL TO SAID FIXED CONTACTMEMBER PAIRS AND SECOND POSITION ANGULARLY DISPOSED WITH RESPECT TO SAIDFIXED CONTACT MEMBER PAIRS, FOR SIMULTANEOUSLY MOVING ALL OF SAIDMOVABLE CONTACT MEMBERS TO THEIR CLOSED POSITIONS WHEN SAID MAIN DRIVEROD IS MOVED TO ITS FIRST POSITION AND FOR MOVING ALL OF SAID MOVABLECONTACT MEMBERS TO THEIR OPEN POSITIONS WHEN SAID MAIN DRIVE ROD ISMOVED TO ITS SECOND POSITION, SAID MAIN DRIVE ROD BEING ALIGNED WITH THESPACE BETWEEN THE FIXED CONTACT MEMBERS OF TWO ADJACENT PAIRS; AND ACORRESPONDING PLURALITY OF SETS OF FUSE RECEPTACLES, EACH CONNECTED TO ARESPECTIVE SECOND CONTACT MEMBER OF ONE OF SAID FIXED CONTACT PAIRS,MOUNTED ON SAID BASE MEMBER IN PARALLEL ALIGNMENT WITH THE SECONDPOSITION OF SAID MAIN DRIVE ROD TO ALLOW FREE ACCESS THERETO FOR REMOVALAND REPLACEMENT OF FUSES WHEN THE SWITCH IS OPEN.